Can a Lawful Permanent Resident Help a Family Member Immigrate to the U.S.?

A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is someone who has been granted the right to live in the United States indefinitely. As an LPR, you have the ability to help certain family members immigrate to the U.S. This is done through the process of family-based immigration, which allows U.S. citizens and LPRs to bring their close relatives to the country. At the Law Office of Robert D. Ahlgren and Associates, P.C., we are dedicated to helping LPRs understand their rights and options when it comes to family-based immigration.

Types of Family-Based Visas and Eligibility

There are different types of family-based visas available, each with its own eligibility requirements. For LPRs, they can petition for the following family members:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children under 21
• Unmarried son or daughter of any age

How Can a Lawful Permanent Resident Help a Family Member Immigrate?

Here is how an LPR can assist their family members in the immigration process:

1. File a Petition: The LPR must file an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the familial relationship between the LPR and the family member seeking to immigrate.
2. Case Review by the National Visa Center (NVC): Once the petition is approved, a case is opened with the NVC. Required fees must be paid before the case can move forward.
3. Submit an Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration: After fees are processed, this application is submitted. It includes detailed information about the immigrant and the sponsoring LPR.
4. Provide Financial Support: The LPR must agree to financially support the family member during their time in the U.S. Evidence of finances, such as tax returns and employment letters, must be submitted to USCIS.
5. Submit Supporting Documents: Passports, birth certificates, and military records are used to support the visa application.
6. Medical Exam and Interview: The family member must undergo a medical exam and interview. A consular officer will determine visa eligibility, and the application will be approved, denied, or held for administrative processing.

The complex landscape of family-based immigration can be daunting. This is where the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney becomes invaluable. Hiring an attorney can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful outcome by ensuring that all paperwork is accurately completed, deadlines are met, and any legal hurdles are anticipated and addressed efficiently. Furthermore, an immigration attorney can provide strategic advice tailored to your unique situation, offering peace of mind that your family’s immigration process is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. At the Law Office of Robert D. Ahlgren and Associates, P.C., we are committed to leveraging our legal knowledge to simplify the immigration process for you and your loved ones, guiding you every step of the way toward achieving your immigration goals.

Schedule a Consultation

At the Law Office of Robert D. Ahlgren and Associates, we have been helping families navigate the U.S. immigration system for over five decades. If you’re a law permanent resident seeking to bring a family member to the U.S., we can guide you through this process. Contact us today to discuss your options.